Chapter 73: An Awkward Encounter

This was an art-house romance film, and after watching it, he felt quite moved—unlike Xia Yu, who noticed Zhao Sijie beside him quietly wiping her tears. Only Xia Yu remained impassive. After all, as the King of the Northern Realm, his will was as strong as steel; how could a mere movie move him to tears? That would simply be out of character.

When the credits rolled and the lights in the hall came on, the perfect ending had calmed Zhao Sijie’s emotions. She nestled against Xia Yu’s arm.

Just as they were about to leave, a surprised voice came from the seats above: “Sijie, Brother Yu.”

Both paused, looking up—Xia Yu gave a start. It was Lin Yuqing, and beside her was Li Hao.

For some reason, a wave of anxiety swept over him; he was momentarily at a loss.

“Yuqing, what brings you here?”

“Oh, so you’re here on a date too. Young Master Li, long time no see.”

Zhao Sijie even greeted Li Hao deliberately.

Actually, the most nervous person at that moment was Li Hao. He still remembered the humiliation he suffered in the restaurant last time; Zhao Sijie was there and had witnessed it all. Now, Xia Yu was one of the people he feared most.

However, with Lin Yuqing by his side, he forced himself to appear calm. “Yes, it’s been a while. What a coincidence…”

He glanced at Xia Yu, and upon seeing that cold gaze, his body tensed and he instinctively looked away, unable to meet those sharp eyes.

Xia Yu indeed disliked Li Hao, and even harbored the urge to give him a beating. But seeing him beside Lin Yuqing, he suppressed the thought.

She was here with Li Hao for a movie date—clearly things were going well between them. He should respect her choice.

“Yes, you… you’re here to watch a movie too?”

Lin Yuqing smiled faintly, glancing at Xia Yu. When she saw Zhao Sijie holding his arm so naturally and intimately, something unsettled her heart.

Still, since they had run into each other, it would be rude not to greet them. She walked over, forcing a smile. “You two seem to be progressing quickly.”

“It’s not like that…” Zhao Sijie blushed, embarrassed.

Lin Yuqing was about to say more when her gaze fell on the amulet hanging around Zhao Sijie’s neck. It looked familiar. She glanced at Xia Yu, her voice trembling slightly.

“Sijie, what’s this? I don’t remember you wearing it before. Can I take a look?”

“Of course.” Zhao Sijie immediately took it off and handed it to her, saying softly, “It’s a gift from Brother Yu—a protective charm.”

Lin Yuqing examined it carefully, her nose stinging. Wasn’t this the birthday present he once promised her, the one he said he would keep for his grandfather? Such an important thing, and now he’d given it to Zhao Sijie. Did it mean he was truly serious about her?

The thought sent a rush of emotion through her, but she forced herself to stay composed and returned the charm. “Looks like Brother Yu treats you very well—who knew he could be so romantic and thoughtful?”

“Yes, actually, Brother Yu is a very warm person, and that’s what I like most about him.” Zhao Sijie, perhaps on purpose, tightened her hold on Xia Yu’s arm.

Li Hao stood aside, not daring to speak, afraid that Xia Yu might suddenly make things difficult for him. If Xia Yu demanded he leave Lin Yuqing, he truly wouldn't know what to do.

At least for now, Xia Yu seemed like an ordinary person, but Li Hao knew he was not someone to cross.

Xia Yu had barely spoken from beginning to end.

He noticed the look in Lin Yuqing’s eyes—just for a moment, they were full of resentment and loss, so complicated. But soon she recovered her composure, slipped her arm through Li Hao’s, and said, “Li Hao treats me very well too. We’re going for a walk, so we’ll let you enjoy your date. Have fun.”

“Likewise,” Zhao Sijie replied with a smile. “You two enjoy yourselves too.”

“Goodbye, Brother Yu!” Lin Yuqing deliberately emphasized the last two words, as if she were trying to say something more.

Xia Yu managed an awkward smile. “G-Goodbye.”

Once they had walked away, Zhao Sijie noticed the change in Xia Yu’s expression. She sighed inwardly, understanding the reason, but being wise, she didn’t mention it. Instead, she asked with concern, “Brother Yu, are you alright?”

“I’m… I’m fine. Let’s go.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Zhao Sijie continued to cling affectionately to his arm, silently hoping, Brother Yu, I’ll give you time. I hope you won’t disappoint me.

I can give you my best love. May I also become the most important girl in your heart, and not Yuqing…

The chance encounter with Lin Yuqing and Li Hao affected Xia Yu’s mood, and since it was getting late, he sent Zhao Sijie home after they left the cinema.

“Goodnight, Brother Yu. Drive safely.”

This time Zhao Sijie was sensible enough not to act spoiled. Instead, she kissed him lightly on the cheek, smiled playfully, and waved goodbye.

A gentle warmth rose in Xia Yu’s heart. He nodded and wished her goodnight. He had already started looking for a place to rent, and within a few days it would be settled.

On the way back, Xia Yu couldn’t help thinking about Lin Yuqing, imagining her having a late-night snack with Li Hao. The thought unsettled him.

Li Hao, if not for Yuqing, do you think I’d let you get away with this? Damn it!

…

Lin Yuqing was indeed having a late-night snack with Li Hao, but after leaving the cinema, she was clearly in low spirits. She barely touched her food and soon said she was tired and wanted to go home.

Li Hao agreed at once, not daring to say much. After all, Lin Yuqing had taken the initiative to hold his arm in the cinema, which had been a pleasant surprise.

He felt things were progressing between them. If he took her out on a few more dates, surely they would grow closer.

When he walked her to her building, Li Hao reluctantly asked, “Yuqing, do you want me to come up with you?”

“No need, you should go home and rest early too,” Lin Yuqing declined politely.

“Then…” Li Hao mustered his most charming smile and leaned in, trying to kiss her.

But Lin Yuqing dodged quickly and pushed him away in panic. “Li Hao, what are you doing? Don’t ever do that again. I don’t like it!”

With that, she got out of the car angrily and left.

Li Hao was dumbfounded. He hadn’t expected such a strong reaction. Hadn’t she just held his arm in the cinema? Was that just for show in front of Xia Yu and the others?

Why? There’s no reason for this, is there? Didn’t she say she and Xia Yu were just friends?!

…

The next day, while Zhao Sijie was at work, Xiao Qin tagged her in the class group chat.

“Latest news—do you all remember Wang Dong?”

“Of course! Wasn’t he our high school heartthrob? Not only did he have a good family background, he was also a top student—and handsome, too.”

“What is it, Xiao Qin? Any news…”